Phonograph



July 14, 1931. A. A. THoMAs 1,813,972y

PHONOGRAPH Filed June 1l, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR July 14, 1931. l A. A. THOMAS 1,813,972

PHONOGRAPH Filed Jun 11, 192e 3 sheets-sheet 5 &\\ 1

f INVENTOR Patented July 14,1931 l k 1,813,972

UN1TED; STATES PATENT YOFFICE ADoLPH A. THOMAS, or NEW YORK. N. Y.

PHONOGRAPH Application filed Iune 11, 1926. Serial No. 115,150.

y My invention relates to phonographsv or matically locks thereproducer frame against talking machines, and .its object is to. promovement and thus protects it from possible vide novel reproducing mechanism of iminjury, as during transportation of the box'. proved construction and operation. I dis- The foregoing and other objects and ad- L- pense with both horn and tone arm, employ. vantages of my invention will be fully under- 55 ing instead a large diaphragm mounted horstood from Ya detail-ed description of the acizontally close tothe record. A needle hold-V companying drawings, in :which I have iler is pivoted to the supporting frame of the lustrated, by wayof example, several condiaphragm in easily accessible position. The structions embodying the ideas of my inven- -T--f horizontal diaphragm, which is operatively tion. In these drawings- 60 connected to the needle holder, is preferably Fig. l shows in a plan view a phonograph of the so-called cone type, but it may be conembodying my invention; structed of any practical material and design Fig. 2 shows a cross-section on the broken adapted to give/a loud reproduction without line 2 2 of Fig. 1'; l5 the need of a horn or other amplifier. Fig. 3 is a cross-section on line 3-3 of 65 By eliminating the old horn and tone arm, Fig. l; v and mounting theV reproducer diaphragm in Fig. 4 is a detached side view of the needle horizontal position over Vthe record, I proholder; Y duc-e a constructionofunusual compactness,l Fig. 5 is a fragmentary View partly in m which is especially useful in portab-le phonocross-section on line 5 5 of Fig. 3 to show 70 graphs. The frame of the diaphragm is the mounting of the reproducer frame for pivoted to swing horizontally over a record vertical movement; and is also capable of vertical movement. Fig. 6 shows the mounting of the dia- This frame is preferably cast of a light and phragm frame in cross-section, the frame v strong material, like aluminum, so that the resting on a bracket in'idle position; 5 total weight at the needle point on the rec- Fig. 7 represents, in cross-section, a modiord groove may not be excessive. If necesication employing a taut filar connection sary, a spring may be used to regulate the (like a wire) between the diaphragm and the pressure exerted by the reproducer mechaneedle holder; v a) nisln on the stylus point. Figs. 8 and 9 are fragmentary viewspartly 80 Another feature of my new phonograph in section showing enlarged'details of the is a needle holder so constructed and mountcentering spring blade connected to the ed as to operate on lateral-cut records and needle holder in Fig. 7 vertical-cut records without any change or Fig. l() is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing. adjustment, it being only necessary to insert how the closed lid of the box or cabinet holds 85 the right kind of stylus.y The connections the reproducer frame against moyement; between the needle holder andthe diaphragm Fig.l 1l is an enlarged face view of the are such that the latter is .actuated equally spring fingersattached to the lid for gr1p well in the playing of either style of record. ping the reproducer frame when the 11d 1s In a preferred embodiment of my invenclosed; Y 90 tion, particularly when applied to portable Fig. 12 shows a. modification 1n which the phonographs, I provide means for automaticone diaphragm is supported with the apex cally locking the reproducer mechanism toward the turntable; and v against movement when the cover of the box Fignl is a fragmentary view in cross-secis closed. 4For this purpose, the horizontal tion of a spring connection permitting verframe carrying the diaphragm has a central tical movement of the diafphragm and yet rojection, and the cover is provided on the forming a rigid connection or the horlzontal inside with suitable gripping means, such movements ofthe diaphragm. as spring fingers, arranged toengagethe pro- In order to bring out the compactness o f jecti'on when the cover is closed.' This, antw my new phonograph construction, the var1- ous machines illustrated in the drawings are portable phonographs housed in small boxes which are easily carried about like a suitcase. I want it understood, however, that my invention is not limited to phonographs of the portable type. In order to make the drawings asclear as possible, I have purposely exaggerated the dimensions of certain parts and the illustrations are therefore not to be taken as accurate shop drawings.

I shall irst describe the construction shown in Figs. 1-6. The various parts of the phonograph are mounted in a box or case B of suitable construction and design. A lid or cover C is hinged to the box at 10, and has means (not shown) for locking it in closed position. The box may be provided with a carrying handle for easy transportation. A motor M (indicated diagrammatically) operates a turntable 11 mounted over a topboard 12. The top edge 13 of the box is preferably so low as to be substantially flush with (or slightly lower than) a record 14 on the turntable. The purpose of this will presently be made clear. In Fig. 1, the small dotted circle 15 indicates the center of the turntable, and the large dotted circle 1G is supposed to represent arbitrarily the end of the playing surface of the record.

On the topboard 12 near the rear edge of the box is fixed a hollow bearing 1'1" adapted to receive a pivot post 18. A circular flange or shoulder 19 on post 18 rests on the top of bearing member 17, as best shown in Fig. 6. A screw or pin 2O operating in an arc-shaped slot in support 17 preventsthe post 18 from being lifted olf its seat, and yet allows rotary movement of the post. The upper end of post 18 terminates in a pair of spaced ears or lugs 21, in which is mounted a horizontal pin 22. There is a circular frame, indicated as a whole by F, which is provided with a rigid extension or bracket 23. rIhis extension has a transverse bearing portion 24 adapted to be mounted on pin 22 between the cars 21 of pivot post 13. It will thus be seen that the frame F swings horizontally with the post 18 on bearing member 17, and also swings vertically about the pin on post 18.

The frame F is adapted` to support a large reproducing diaphragm D, which I have conveniently shown in the form of the -well known cone type. In the broader aspect of my invention, however, the diaphragm D may he of any practical construction capable of giving a loud reproduction without the need of an amplifying horn. Cone diaphragms are well known in the market, and are usually made of paper, parchment and the like. Large reproducing diaphragms may also be made of metal, such as aluminum, which is usually corrugated or ribbed to impart the requisite stiffness. The size and shape of frame F will obviously depend upon the size. and shape of the diaphragm to be supported. For simplicity I have shown the diaphragm circula-r in outline, but it can bc made elliptical and perhaps in other shapes. Diaphragm D is secured in position on frame F by means of a ring 25 and screws or other fastening devices 26. The ring 25 is preferably part of a cover 27 provided with sound openings 28 for the free passage of sound into the outer air. The Cover 25-27 may conveniently be cast or molded as single piece, and preferably will be in the form of an ornamental grille, which adds to the beauty of the machine and at the same time protects the diaphragm against accidental injury.

The reproducer frame F is best made in spider or skeleton form, and may be cast or molded as a single piece. Personally, Iprefer to make the frame F of aluminum, which is light and strong. The lower side of frame F is provided with a radial arm 29, which may conveniently be formed integral with the body of the frame. To prevent possible vibration of the arm 29, a thin connecting web 30 may be employed. To the outer end of arm 29 is pivoted a needle holder H on a pin or bearing 31, which should be practically free from lost motion. The needle holder H is in the form of a bellcrank having a horizontal arm 32 and a vertical arm 33. The pivot point 31 is at the corner of these two right-angled arms. rlhe needle- Yholding portion 34 of the needle holder is arranged to hold the needle 35 at the proper slant during the playing of Va record, as best shown in Fig. 4. The needle holder parts 32, 33 and 34 are easily cast as-a single piece. rIhe frame F carries near the center a small bellcrank 36 pivoted on a suitable pin or bearing 37, with as little lost motion as possible. A stili rod or wire 38 is connected at its upper end to the center of diaphragm D and at its lower end to the horizontal arm of bellcrank 36. The frame F is provided with a hole 39 for the free passage `of rod 38. The vertical arm of bellcrank 36 is connected to the vertical arm 33 of needle holder H by means of a stili' connecting rod or wire 40, which can be made very light and rigid in the form of a thin hollow tube of metal. The connecting points between the parts 38-36-40-33 may be rigid, since the vibrations transmitted by the needle holder to the diaphragm are very small. Such rigid connections prevent lost motion and add to the efficiency of the machine.

The practical advantage of mounting the needle holder H at the periphery of the horizontal diaphragm will be obvious to those familiar with this art. Heretofore attempts have been made to employ large diaphragms in phonographs, but in those prior machines the needle `holder was arranged at the center of the diaphragm and thus out of sight of the operator, thereby making it very dilii- TIM cult to insert theneedle pointintheV record needle is always visible inthe playing of' a record, and it is easy to insert a, needle with'f out lifting the diaphragm. Y

The mounting, of needle holder lH is such that the needle point traverses an arc which b passes through the center 1570i the turntable; This is indicated by the dotted line 41 in Fig; 1. For this purpose, the distance between theY axis of pivot point 18 and the needle point is approximately equal to the distance [y between theV pivot axis and the center of the' diaphragm; This may readily be determined by actual measurement in Fig. 1, when the point 18 is the pivot'about which the repro'- d-ucer frame swingshorizontally, and is ,50 thefpoint ofa play-ing needle. As the reproducing mechanism travels horizontally over arecord, Athe'frame and diaphragm project beyond the VVsides ofthe'box or cabinet of thelmachine. Thispermits the use of a'small box'or case not muchv larger than the turntable, and yet allows full and free movement ofI the' horizontal diaphragm fromA the beginning to the ending of a record. In Fig. 1 the dotted lines F represent roughly the position of the-reproducer mechanism when the'needle-has reached the' end' of therecordl The "mechanism Aisl easily swung back into alignment with the-turntable-to permit closing of the lid of the'machine. A finger-piece 42 is attached to the front y'part of frame F for easy manipulation Y'of the reproducer ,mechanism, which may be swung almost completely clearer the'turntableV toallow the easy removal and.l putting on` of a1 record.

Special. attention is directedto the doublefunctioning of the" needle holder H', which is soconstructed and.V mounted that it operates equally wellfonlateral-cut records and vertical-cut records, although it is mounted!) .'45 on a single pivotaxis. Looking at Fig-2,

itl will' be seen thatV in the'ca-se-o lateral-cut records wheretheundulationsare inv the sides of the'groove, the needle holder Vibrates right and left about itshorizon-tal pivot 3l.` Thentheneedle I holder operates onverticalcutrecords in which' the undulations are in the bottom of the groove, the horizontal arnr 32 otheneedleholder rocks up andfdowm, andE that causes the' vertical arm' 33 to` vibra-te I thus have a needle holder mounted on? a single pivotand capable of operating without change oradjustment on both types of:

records; The transmission ratiobetween the playing position.

laterally, as in the case of laterallcut records.

diaphragm and the" needlel holder f. can

Referringl to Figs. 3 and 6; it will`be noticed that the pivot post 18 is'providcd with a pair of spaced extensions 43 arranged slight-ly below the connectingA piece 23 at-y tached to thevframe F. When the machine' isplaying af record, the frame is held clear of the extension; 43. When, however', there is no needl'e'in the holder, or when the-reproducing mechanism is swung' to' one side as shown in Fig. 1.0,.the supporting trame F dropsdown on thek extensions 43, which thus form. a supporting bracket for the reproducing mechanism when Vthe latter is not in When the reproducing mechanism rests on bracket 43, the needle holder and connecting rod 40 remain slightly above thetop edge 13 of the box 0r cabinet, so that the entire mechanism maybe swung horizontally to eith'erlsideA of thefturn-` table. Itis assumed? here that the needle has been' removedL from theholder, but even then the mechanism can be swung laterally'l into any position by slightly lifting it. y

It is desirable to lock the `reproducing mechanism againstmovement whenthe box or cabinet isclosed, asA during the transportation of the machine.- -For this purpose I provideYK very simple .means automatically operated by the closing of the lid-to engage the reproducer frame. This Videa may becar#v ried out in several ways, and in the' drawings I have shown the lid C provided with spring fingers 44 arrangedl toy grip a'rounded knob or projection 45'v on the grille cover-27' when the lid. C is closed.. This is clearly seen in Fig; 10; It the reproducing mechanismV is moved into is understood, of course?, that practically central. position before the lid v is closed down. Even if the knob45 is not exactly in line with' the spring fingers 44, the latter will automatically' move the, knob into centralposition. YThe gripping lingers 44 maybe stamped out' of,` a single piece' of spring? metal, and.k are secured tothe inside ofthe cover/by' screws 4.6 or otherwise,V

It may happen that, in certain designs of phonographs built in accordance with myinvention, the'weight of the reproducing mechanism at the needle-point is too' great for the best acoustic results To meet such a 'contingency, I. provide a spring 47 fastened at one endy to a pin orscrew y48 von the pivot post 18,- and at the'other' end' bearing'upwardly'agai'nst the underside ofv the repro'- ducer frame F, as shown in Figs. 3 and 6. The tension of spring 47 is such that it partially counteracts the .weight of the reprod'ucer mechanism at the needle poi-nt.. The screw 48 is adjustably mounted in a p 'airof lugs 49 carried by7 the pivot post 18.. Byadjustingthescrew 48 and securing. it in adijustedv position, as by means ofa set-screw l 50, the: tension of spring 47 may bef varied' dlepoint.

Looking at Fig. 2, it will beseen that the back thrust exerted by the needle point on the reproducer mechanism in the playing of a record is transmitted through the arm 29 to the center of frame F. In other words, the entire mechanism is supported by the needle point in a substantially balanced condition, thus relieving the supporting parts of undue strain.

In the modification of Fig. 7 I use a. dexible wire 51, or other filar connection, between the diaphragm D and the needle holder H. The connection 51 may be a thin steel wire, like a piano wire, and a small pulley 52, pivoted at 52 on frame F, holds the wire properly guided from vertical to horizontal position. The supporting member 52 may be a pin which is fixed in frame F and on which the pulley 52 is rotatably mounted, or the pulley may be fixed on the pin if the latter is rotatably supported on the frame. A spring 53, connected at one end to the needle holder and at the other end to the frame, normally holds the wire 51 taut, and yet permits vibration of the needle holder with lateral-cut as well as vertical-cut records. The spring 53 is shown in the form of a fiat blade having a slotted end 54 arranged to engage a screw 55 secured to the frame F. This permits the spring 53 to move longitudinally during the vibrations of the needle holder. Any other suitable spring connection may be used for normally holding the wire 51 taut. and at the same time maintaining the needle holder H in proper position. Otherwise, what has been said about the operation and the advantages of the construction previously described, is applicable to Fig. 7

'The embodiment shown in Fig. 12 differs from the preceding constructions mainly in that the diaphragm D is mounted on frame F in inverted position-that is, with the apex toward the turntable. In this instance, the needle holder I-I is intended to operate only on lateral-cut records, because the pivot point 56 is in line with the axis of the needle. The grille cover 27 is provided with a pivoted bellcrank 57, which is connected with the needle holder II through a link 58. The other arm of bellcrank 57 is connected to the center of diaphragm D by a link 59. One of the practical advantages of the construction shown in Fig. 12 vis the compactness of the reproducing mechanism in a vertical direction. It will be understood that the reproducing mechanism of Fig. 12 is operatively mounted for horizontal and vertical movement, as described in connection with Figs. 1-6.

In Fig. 13, the frame F is connected to a pivot post 60 by a flat spring 61, which is preferably bent back upon itself in order to provide greater length and correspondingly increased resiliency. The spring 61 constitutes a rigid connection between the reproducer frame'F and the pivotpost 60, so far as the horizontal movements of the frame are concerned, and yet the resiliency of the spring is such that it allows lvertical movement of the frame to a limited extent. If necessary, the initial tension or set of spring 61 may be such as to partially counteract the weight of the reproducer mechanism atV the needle point. In this way a. single spring may be made to perform the three-fold function specified. i

It will be seen from the preceding description of severalpillustrative embodiments of my invention that I have provided a hornless phonograph of simple construction and eiiicient operation.v As far as I know, I am the first to provide a hornless phonograph having a large reproducer diaphragm mounted in horizontal position and havinga stylus holder in accessible position at the periphery of the diaphragm-a construction especially useful in machines of the portable type. The specificl constructions herein shown and described are not to -be taken as limitations of my invention, but rather as practical examples thereof, for it isevident that the various features of my invention may be mechanically embodied in other ways than herein set forth.

When I speak of certain parts as being in horizontal position and other parts as being in vertical position, I want it understood that I use the terms horizontal and vertical in an ordinary mechanical sense, and not in the strictly mathematical meaning used by surveyors. Also, when I speak of a needle, I do not necessarily mean a sharp-pointed needle of steel, but any kind of stylus capable of playing a phonograph record. l Y

What I claim as my invention is:

' 1. A hornless phonograph having a turntable, a substantially horizontal pivoted frame movable horizontally over the turntable, a substantially horizontal loudspeaking diaphragm secured at its edge in said frame and directly open-to the free air, the pivot of said'frame being so placed that the center of the diaphragm moves substantially over the center of the turntable during the horizontal swinging movements of the diaphragm, a stylus holder pivoted to said frame at the edge thereof so as to be readily accessible, and means mounted on said frame for transmitting the vibrations of said holder to said diaphragm.

2. In a phonograph having a turntable, a horizontally swinging support having a horizontal frame, a large reproducing diaphragm secured at its edge to said frame, and therebyV supported in horizontal position, said diaphragm being directly open to the free air and capable of loud reproduction, a needle holder mounted at the edge of said frame so as to oscillate about an axis substantially at right angles to the axis of said diaphragm,

and operative connections between lsaid needle holder and the center lof said diac phragm. v j

3. In a 4phonotq'raph having fa turntable, a

5 horizontally swinging support having a horizontal circular frame, a reproducing digaphragmcarried by said frame, a rigid arm projecting `radially from the center of said frametoward the periphery thereof, a needle l holder pivoted to said arm so as lto oscillate about-an axis substantiallyat right `angles 'to the axis of said diaphragm, and means for transmitting the vibrations of the needle holder to said diaphragm.

4. Phonographic reproducing mechanism comprising a horizontal circular vframe mounted to swing horizontally over a record, av conediaphragm supported in said frame, a vhorizontal pivot provided onsaid frame 0 at the periphery thereof, an .upstanding needle holder mountedon said pivot so as to vibratel in a plane substantially radial withV respect to said diaphragm, an extension on said needle holder, and connecting means zu between saidrextension and the center of said diaphragm.

5. A ,phonograph having a horizontal circular frame mounted near its periphery on a vertical pivot so as to swing horizontally a0 over a record, a reproducing diaphragm carried by said frame, a pivoted needle holdermounted on said frame at or near the `periphery thereof so as to vibrate laterally of the diaphragm about an axis substantially at '85 right angles to the axis of said diaphragm, a horizontal connection leading `from said needle holder, a vertical connection leading from the center of said diaphragm, and a pivoted member carried by said frame near 40 the center thereof for uniting said connections. Y

M6. A hornless phonograph having a cone diaphragm mounted in horizontal position to swing over a record in close parallel relation thereto, a pivoted needle holder mounted near the periphery of Vsaiddiaphragm sfo as to vibrate in a plane substantially radial ltof said diaphragm about an'axis substantially y at right angles tothe axisof the diaphragm,

' said needle holder projecting laterally beyond `the edgeof the diaphragm for easy access, means for connecting said needle holder with said diaphragm, and, means for operatively supporting said diaphragm in- 55 dependently of said connecting means.

v7. A hornless phonograph having a 'cone diaphragm mounted in horizontal positionV to swing about a substantially vertical -pivot over a record4 in close parallel relation there- 00 to, a needle holder pi'votally mounted at the periphery ofsaid diaphragm in a position circumferentially aboutnmidway of a diam eter' vassingthroughthe pivot mounting of y., vthe diaphragm, means for transmitting the U5 vibrationsof said needle holder to said diaphragm, and means for supporting said diaphragm independently of said transmitting Y means.V

y8. Ina phonograph havinga turntable,"a circular frame provided at its periphery with a radial extension, means engagingsaid extension for mounting said frame in horizontal position to swing horizontally over the turntable', said mounting means permitting vertical movement ofthe frame, a' cone diaphragm carried by said 'rame, an arm extending raA- dially from the center of vsaid frame ina direction approximately at right angles to a diameter passing through the pivot of ,said rame,"a Vneedle holder pivoted transversely to the outer end of said arm, and connectingl means between lsaid needle holder and the center yof said diaphragm. y

9.l A hornless phonograph having a large horizontal diaphragml mounted to swingover theturntable inparallel vrelation thereto, ya needle holdermounted on a single pivot'and constructed to vibrate about said pivot 4in af plane approximately radial to said diaphragm, the axis ofsaid needle holder being displaced laterally with respect to lsaid pivot,

whereby the needle holderjvibrates in response to needle vibrations produced by lateral-cut and vertical-cut records, and means for transmitting the vibrations ofsaid needle'holder to said diaphragm. f

10. InV a hornless phonograph having a turntable, a large Circular'rame supported in horizontal position and adapted to swing horizontally over theturntahle, a diaphragm mounted in said frame, a'bell-cranl pivoted on said frame, a vertical connection between the center ofsaid diaphragm and one arm of said bell-crank, a, needleholder' pivoted on said frame independentlyof `said bell-crank, and a horizontal `connection 4between lsaid needle holder and the-otherarm of said bell crank. i

. l1. In a lhornless phonograph, a Jlarge loudspeaking diaphragm` mounted substantially parallel with a record ron the turntable, means `for Asupporting said diaphragm vto swing horizontally over afrecord, a stylus holder, means for supporting saidholderg'at the periphery of said diaphragmso that theA stylus is always Avisible and accessible in the y horizontal position Vofthe diaphragm, said stylus holderbeing positioned about ninety degrees from a diameter passing through the pivot of said -dia] hrag1n,iand means for ,op-- eratively connecting said stylus holder to the diaphragm, which is supported independent-ly of said connect-in means. v

' l2. In a hornless phonograph, a large loudspeaking diaphragm mounted substan` tially parallelwitha reeordon the turntable, av Jframe vin which said diaphragm is held at its periphery forfvibratory'move-z ment,"1neans for supporting saidl frame to,` swing horizontally/overa 'record and alsoto move vertically, and aV stylus holder car` ried by said frame approximately at the periphery thereof and connected to the center of said diaphragm, said stylus holder being mounted to oscillate about an axis substantially at right angles to the aXis of said diaphragm.

18. In a hornless phonograph, an upright pivot member ymounted on the top board to turn horizontally, a horizontal circular frame mounted on said member to swing horizontally over arecord on the turntable, means whereby said frame is pivoted on said member to move vertically, a diaphragm carried by said frame, a needle holder mounted j on said frame and operatively connected to said diaphragm, a spring mounted on said pvot member to engage said frame and adapted to counteract the weight of the frame when a record is played, and a bracket movable with said pivot member to support said frame in idle position clear of the turntable.

14. A hornless phonograph having a large loudspeaking diaphragm mounted in substantially horizontal position to swing over a record on the turntable, a frame in which said diaphragm is operatively supported, a stylus holder pivoted on said frame approximately at the periphery thereof, and operative connections mounted on said frame between said stylus holder and said diaphragm, said connections including a rightangled member movable about a point separate from the pivot of said stylus holder.

15. A portable hornless phonograph comprising a case or box provided with a top board and a hinged cover, a motor-driven turntable arranged over the topboard, a horizontal circular frame mounted on the topboard to swing horizontally over a record on the turntable, means whereby said frame is pivoted to swing vertically, a large diaphragm mounted in said frame and directly open to the free air, a needle holder carried by said frame and operatively connected to said diaphragm, and cooperating means on said cover and said frame for automatically connecting said frame to said cover when the latter is closed, whereby the reproducing mechanism is held against movement in protected position, said connecting means being separable to permit opening Yof the cover without disturbing said frame.

16. A portable hornless phonograph comprising a case or box provided with a top board and a hinged cover, a motor-driven turntable arranged over the topboard, a horizontal circular frame mounted on the topboard to swing horizontally over a record on the turntable, means whereby said frame is pivoted to swing vertically, a

' large diaphragm mounted in said frame and directly open to the 4free air, a needle holder carried, by said frame and operatively connected to said diaphragm, a central projec tion provided onV said frame over the diaphragm, and means on said cover for, engaging said projection when the cover is closedto hold said frame against movement. A Y

17. A portable hornless phonograph comprising a case or box provided with a top'- board and a hinged cover,ra motor-driven turntable arranged over the topboard, a horizontal circular frame mounted on the topboard to swing horizontally over a record on the turntable, means whereby said frame is pivoted to swing vertically, a. large diaphragm mounted in said frame and directly open to the free air, a needle holder carriedby said frame and operatively connected to said diaphragm, a central rounded projection kprovided on said frame over the diaphragm, and spring fingerson said cover for gripping said projection when the cover is closedto holdl the frame against movement, said spring fingers automaticallyV centralizing the frame when they engage said rounded projection.

18. A portable hornless phonograph comprising a case or box provided with a turntable, a cone diaphragm mounted in horizontal position to swing horizontally over a record on the turntable, said diaphragm being so mounted as to project horizontally beyond the side ofthe box when playing a record, and a needle holder connected to said diaphragm at a point circumferentially remote from a diameter passing through the pivot mounting of the diaphragm, which in normal inoperative position lies over the turntable within the confines of the case.y

19. A hornless phonograph comprising a cabinet having a lid, a horizontal frame mounted in said cabinet to swing horizontally over a record, a reproducing diaphragm supported in horizontal position on said frame, a needle holder operatively connected with sai-d diaphragm, and cooperating means on said'lidrand said frame for automatically locking the frame against movement when the lid is closed, said means being separable to permit opening of the lid without lifting said frame. i y

20. In a hornless phonograph, a circular frame mounted in horizontal position to swing horizontally` about a vertical pivot over a record, a horizontal diaphragm supported in said frame, a needlevholder carried by said frame approximately atl the periphery thereof, and means for connecting said needle holder with said diaphragm, said needle holder` being so arranged that the point of an inserted needle is approximately the same distance from said vertical; pivot as the center ofthe diaphragm. Y Y

21. A hornless phonograph having a turnf table, adirect acting diaphragm pivoted in a substantially horizontal position on a vertical axisl to swing horizontally over the turntable, said diaphragm being so mountlOl l'US

ed that its center describes an arc passing substantially through the center of the turntable during the horizontal'travel of the diaphragm, a stylus holder mounted at the periphery of said diaphragm, and means for transmitting the vibrations of said holder to the diaphragm.

22. Phonographic reproducing mechanism Y comprising a horizontal circular frame mounted to swing horizontally over a rec* ord, a` cone diaphragm supported in said frame, a horizontal pivot provided on said frame at the periphery thereof, a stylusV holder mounted on said pivot so as to vibrate in a plane substantially radial with respect to said horizontal diaphragm, and means for connecting said stylus holder with the center of said diaphragm..

28. In a phonograph having a turntable, a substantially horizontal frame mounted to swing horizontally over a record, a loudspeaking cone diaphragm supported by said frame in substantially horizontal position, a stylus holder carried by said frame at the periphery thereof, and means for vibrating said diaphragm in accordance with the vibrations of a stylus in said holder, said horizontal diaphragm being so mounted that its center may be brought into substantial alignment with the axis of the turntable.

24. In a phonograph having a turntable, a frame mounted in horizontal position to swing horizontally about a vertical pivot over a record on the turntable, a horizontal loudspeaking diaphragm supported in said frame, a stylus holder carried by said frame at the periphery thereof in such position that the playing point of a stylus follows an arcuate path passing through" the center of the turntable, and means for transmitting the vibrations of the stylus holder to said diaphragm. Y

25. In a phonograph having a turntable, a frame mounted in horizontal position to swing horizontally about a. vertical pivot over a record on the turntable, a horizontal loudspeaking diaphragm supported in said frame, a stylus holder carried by said frame,

at the periphery thereof, said stylus holder being so positioned relatively to said vertical pivot thatv the point of a playing stylus follows an arcuate path which passes through the center of the horizontal diaphragm and the center of the turntable.

ADOLPI-I A. THOMAS. 

